Key West Travelers Recommend

From juicy sunsets to coral reefs, three days in Key West mean time to soak up the quirky charm of the island escape. Come to join the party crowd, watch ocean sunsets, and take in historical sites, then head offshore to see the Gulf of Mexico’s castaway islands and mangroves. Here’s how to make the most of your time in the Conch Republic.

Day 1: Island Orientation

Find the high points of Key West’s tree-shaded streets and waterfront on a tour through the heart of town by trolley or train. In the afternoon, visit some of the stops in-depth, whether you’re following in Hemingway’s footsteps, browsing the shops at Mallory Square, or gazing out from the southernmost point in the United States. In the evening, snag a coveted spot on a sunset cruise from the waterfront; it’s worth booking in advance to ensure your spot. Since the trips range from sails aboard historical vessels to party boats with free-flowing drinks, you can make the night as relaxing or wild as you want.

Day 2: Offshore Explorer

With a full day to explore you can head as far as Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of islands with powdery beaches, coral reefs, and a historical military fort. Alternatively, simply snag a kayak, paddleboard, Jet Ski, or cruise boat to see everything from mangrove forests to the surrounding reefs. For an up-close look at the bright corals of the Florida Reef, choose a tour that goes beneath the waves: glass-bottom boat cruises and snorkeling trips give you perfect views, and beginner-friendly dive trips mean you don’t need certification to try scuba diving in Key West.

Day 3: Conch Republic Relaxation

Start your last day with a slow walk on the sand of Higgs Beach, known for catching the best morning light on the island. Instead of committing to lunch in a single restaurant, explore the best of Key West food, from fresh-caught seafood to Key Lime pie, on a food tour of downtown. It’s a shortcut to finding the best bites on the island, with plenty of themed options that offer a delicious take on the history and culture of the Florida Keys. As daylight fades, head to Mallory Square to catch one final Key West sunset alongside celebrating crowds and oddball buskers. Toast your final night with a drink in one of Key West’s many bars—they range from wild daiquiri joints to historic Hemingway hangouts perfect for a leisurely cocktail.

From daiquiri-fueled parties to mangrove tunnels and coral reefs, Key West offers a lifetime of ways to kick back, explore nature, and enjoy some island sunshine. But since Key West highlights are often just a stone’s throw apart, you can take in the scene even if your time is limited. Here’s how to make the most out of one day in Key West.

Morning: Explore the Conch Republic

Check out the key areas of Key West, where Front Street bars lead to the waterfront and historic neighborhoods, on a flexible morning of exploring. Leaving your car parked saves you the considerable hassle of finding parking on narrow streets, and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or trolley tour is an appealing alternative to fighting traffic. Since buses and trams are both open-sided, you can enjoy the sea breeze and snap photos of key landmarks as you cruise by.  

Afternoon: Sun, Sea, and Sand

Some of Key West’s most memorable experiences aren’t on land at all, so it’s worth leaving the island behind for some time at sea. Once you’re on the water, you’ll see dolphins, vibrant coral reefs, and mangroves that are home to colorful birds. Checking out the natural world in Key West can be as active or as laid-back as you want, with options that include guided paddling tours, snorkeling trips, and glass-bottom cruises to the coral reefs just offshore. For something that takes in the coast with a side of adrenaline, Jet Ski tours and parasailing are gorgeous ways to get your heart racing.

Night: Catch a Tropical Sunset

Catching the sunset in Key West is one of the island’s don’t-miss experiences—and locals and visitors alike make it an excuse to celebrate another day in the islands. Book early if you’re hoping to snag a spot on one of the sunset cruises that ply the shoreline, since the most popular boats can fill up well in advance. There are lots to choose from, and options range from party boats with free-flowing cocktails to schooner cruises where you can unwind to the sound of wind and waves.

With two days in Key West, you can relax into the pace of life in the Conch Republic. Whether you’re a lifelong sailor or a devoted landlubber, come to explore mangroves, spot native dolphins, and check out local landmarks, with time left over for island sunsets and umbrella drinks. Here’s what you need to know when planning your escape.

Day 1: Conch Republic Essential s

Morning: Snag tickets for the hop-on, hop-off bus or open-sided trolley that make the rounds of Key West to get your bearings. If you’re going to continue sightseeing in the afternoon, consider an option with all-day access, which is a convenient way to avoid driving and parking.

Afternoon: Tune into the parts of Key West that interest you most by choosing a guided walking tour focused on food, drinks, or history. Key West has plenty of hidden foodie hot spots, and the tree-lined streets are packed with ghost stories and colorful characters that you’ll encounter along the way.

Night: Kick off the night with a Key West sunset; there’s always a crowd at Mallory Square, or you can board a sunset cruise to catch last light on the water. Sunset cruises in Key West range from laid-back sailing trips to parties with free-flowing drinks, so choose your boat accordingly.

Day 2: Natural Wonders

Morning: Get a salt-water start with an active morning of fishing, paddling among the mangroves, or parasailing. Back on land, fuel up for an afternoon of exploring with a Key West seafood lunch followed by chilled Key lime pie.

Afternoon: Now that you’ve seen Key West from above water, it’s time to peek beneath the waves. Snorkeling and scuba trips feature coral reefs just off the coast—there are even scuba options for noncertified divers—or you can skip the wet hair altogether by hopping a glass-bottom boat.

Night: Finish your Key West adventure with a taste of the local bar scene, which goes from rustic Hemingway haunts to theme bars with a rainbow of tropical drinks. Pub crawls and bar tours are a fun way to meet fellow travelers while getting a feel for the town’s colorful nightlife.

Home to the third-largest coral reef in the world and one of the best spots for diving in the United States, Key West is a destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, from those who are just dipping their fins in the water to more experienced divers. These are some of the best spots.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (Florida Reef)

This large marine sanctuary protects the 220-mile (354-kilometer) Florida Keys Reef, the third largest coral barrier reef in the world and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. The reef runs from Key Biscayne to Dry Tortugas, with plenty of spots for diving and snorkeling along the way.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park, made up of seven small islands, is situated in the middle of a coral reef and offers some of the best snorkeling in Key West. Many tour companies offer snorkeling excursions for either half or full day that focus on reef viewing or shipwreck exploration.

Key West National Wildlife Refuge

The crystal clear waters of Key West National Wildlife Refuge allow snorkelers to spot sea turtles and other marine critters living among the mangrove forests. The park is also popular for kayaking, and the two activities can be combined into a single guided outing.

The Vandenberg

Though not the most famous of the world’s wrecks-turned-reefs, the Vandenberg—sunk in 2009—has a growing fan base of divers. Located at a depth of around 100 feet (30 meters), this World War II troop transport attracts a variety of marine plants and animals as an artificial reef.

Joe’s Tug

This 75-foot (23-meter) tug boat isn’t too deep, making it an excellent spot for beginning scuba divers. Underwater, you might spot eels and colorful fish swimming around the soft and hard corals that have made this wreck their home.